- FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza and parts of the West Bank, and all but essential travel to much of the rest
- Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah have been exceptions, but check gov.uk first
- Entry is via Israel or the Allenby Bridge from Jordan
- Palestinian hospitality and food are the highlights for those who go
- Airports
- No airport; most visitors fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv (TLV) or Queen Alia, Amman (AMM) and travel overland
- Flight time
- about 5h from London to Tel Aviv, or about 5h to Amman
- Best time to go
- March-May and September-November
- Currency
- Israeli new shekel (ILS); Jordanian dinar and US dollars also used
The Palestinian territories, the West Bank and Gaza, hold some of the most significant places in the Christian, Muslim and Jewish worlds. Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus, Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns on Earth, and Hebron's old city surrounds the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Visitors who make the journey often say the warmth of Palestinian hospitality, and the food, from knafeh in Nablus to musakhan with fresh olive oil, stay with them longest.
Important: the FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza and to within 500 m of its border, against all travel to the Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas governorates of the West Bank, and against all but essential travel to most of the rest of the West Bank. At the time of writing, East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governorate, Ramallah Municipality and Jericho and the areas south of it (including the Allenby crossing) are excluded from those warnings, but the situation can change quickly. Read the GOV.UK foreign travel advice, which covers Gaza and the West Bank, before you plan anything. For the wider region, see our Middle East guide, and our Israel and Jordan guides.
Why go
- Bethlehem: the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, the Old City souq and the art painted on the separation wall.
- Jericho: Tell es-Sultan (a UNESCO site), Hisham's Palace with its famous mosaic, and the cable car to the Mount of Temptation monastery.
- Ramallah: the political and cultural centre, with restaurants, galleries and the Yasser Arafat museum.
- Hebron: glassblowing, ceramics and the Ibrahimi Mosque, in a divided city where tension is high; check FCDO advice carefully.
- Nablus and Sebastia: soap factories, sweets and Roman ruins in the north, currently within areas covered by FCDO warnings.
- Wadi Qelt and the Jordan Valley: desert hikes past the cliff-hanging St George's Monastery.
Where to stay
- Bethlehem: guesthouses, Christian hostels and hotels close to Manger Square.
- Ramallah: business hotels and boutique stays with the best dining scene.
- Jericho: resort-style hotels with pools, warm even in winter.
- Village homestays: run by community tourism groups along the Masar Ibrahim walking trail, where the advice permits.
Getting there
There is no airport in the West Bank. Most UK visitors fly to Tel Aviv (around five hours, with an ETA-IL needed in advance) and travel by bus or taxi from Jerusalem through Israeli checkpoints. Others fly to Amman and cross the Allenby (King Hussein) Bridge, which has its own opening hours, fees and closures. Israeli authorities control entry, so carry your passport at all times. Gaza is closed to visitors.
Good to know
- Food: maqluba (an upside-down rice dish), musakhan, falafel, za'atar bread and Nablus knafeh.
- Customs: dress modestly, especially in Hebron and at religious sites; Friday is the main day off for Muslims and Sunday for Christians.
- Money: cash is essential; ATMs exist in larger towns but cards are not always accepted.
- Checkpoints: carry your passport at all times and allow extra time, as crossings can close without notice.
- Responsible travel: choose Palestinian-run guesthouses, guides and community tourism projects so spending supports local people.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring warm days and green hillsides in spring. Summers are hot, especially in Jericho, which is below sea level. Christmas in Bethlehem is a major event, with services on 24 and 25 December and Orthodox and Armenian celebrations in January.
Use a licensed local guide in Bethlehem or Hebron; they know the checkpoints, the history and which streets to avoid on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Bethlehem?
Bethlehem Governorate is currently outside the FCDO's "all but essential" warning, but conditions in the West Bank change quickly. Check gov.uk on the day you plan to go.
Can tourists visit Gaza?
No. The FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza, and it is closed to visitors.
What currency is used in Palestine?
The Israeli shekel is used day to day. Jordanian dinars and US dollars are also accepted in some places, and cash is more reliable than cards.
How do I get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem?
Arab buses run from near Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem, or you can take a taxi to the checkpoint. The journey is short but can be slowed by crossings.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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